With the development of a volunteer Search and Rescue Team this year, the Peoria County Sheriff's Department is now looking to expand its ability to find missing people faster through technology.

At a conference for lawmakers sponsored by the Central Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association on Thursday, Lt. Mark Molleck said his agency is investigating two different tracking systems that are compatible with other technology in use in central Illinois.

The systems require at-risk individuals like those with Alzheimer's disease or autism to wear a small transmitter on a bracelet that emits a radio signal every second. A receiver can detect the signal and point searchers in the right direction.

The system can cost up to $5,000 or more for an agency with a search and rescue team, but also could cost families wanting a transmitter an additional $250 to $300 depending on the model sought.

"That's very cheap life insurance," Molleck said.

The Peoria County Search and Rescue Team was formed this year largely in response to the disappearance of John Garrett, a 73-year-old Peoria man with Alzheimer's disease who walked away from his home and was missing for a week before his body was found.

Tom Liesen, the elder service officer with the Quincy Police Department who works with Project Lifesaver, one of the tracking systems being considered, told the audience the ordeal of the Garrett family could spur the momentum needed to put a program in place.

"We need to use that memory of John to get the program going," Liesen said.

To keep the program going, however, Molleck said the police will need funding and help from a group like the Alzheimer's Association to maintain the transmitter units with their clients and keep the batteries fresh.

"I'd like to have the system in place as soon as I can," Molleck said.

Matt Buedel can be reached at 686-3154 or mbuedel@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @JournoBuedel.